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Question: Can I be charged with possession of stolen property if a actually bought it?

Answer: You could be mistakenly charged for theft if you honestly had no idea that you possessed stolen property. A mistake which could be clarified with proof of a receipt for the property or the testimony from the clerk who sold you the property.

However, if a person is in control of the property of another that they know or have reason to know the property was stolen, the person is guilty of theft (with or without a receipt). The class felony depends on the value of the property. Therefore, even if someone has a receipt for property but it could be proven they knew or had reason to know the property had been stolen, they are still guilty of theft.

If found guilty the person would be ordered to pay restitution for the value of the property.

For more information on theft, see:

Speak Up! Question Other #82 What are the penalties for theft?


Comments
1 thru 1 of 1 comments
On 12/12/03
Pete from FL said:
What if a trailer had been purchased from someone who gave you possession of the trailer then would not give you the title, but you have proof you paid for the trailer?
1 thru 1 of 1 comments



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